Wearable lap blanket allowing movement in seated or standing positions

ABSTRACT

A wearable insulating blanket for the lower body and legs, that when worn permits the use of the feet and also unhindered transition between seated and standing positions. The assembly includes an outer weather- and wear-resistant shell layer, suitably formed of water-resistant nylon fabric, and an inner insulating layer, suitably formed of synthetic fleece. The main panel of the blanket extends substantially continuously across the front of the wearer&#39;s legs and lower abdomen, with the edges of the blanket converging at the rear. The blanket is secured to the wearer&#39;s waist by an adjustable quick-release waist strap, while an adjustable-length vertical vent at the front of the blanket permits free movement of the legs and feet without excessive exposure and heat loss. The edges of the adjustable vent are optionally attached to the two rear edges of the blanket by detachable leg straps that hold the lower edges of the blanket in place on the legs, e.g., against being blown up by wind. The combination of protection/warmth and freedom of leg movement provided by the blanket is advantageous for persons engaged in activities that require them to be seated in a cold or exposed environment yet still need be free to move their legs/feet and frequently change between seated and standing positions, such as bus and delivery drivers, fishermen, spectators at sporting events, and so on.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/207,626 filed on Feb. 12, 2009.

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to insulating wear and more particularly to a lower body insulating cover that permits the wearer to maintain an unhindered freedom of leg movement when seated, as well as when vacating this position to stand and subsequently walk.

b. Background

The retail market commonly supplies consumers with a variety of insulating blankets designed for use when in a seated or prone position. Such designs customarily provide for a generous amount of covering material at and below the waist level, sufficient to cover, overlap or envelope the wearer's feet. As a consequence, they do not properly accommodate free leg movement whilst in a seated position. Neither do they allow for the safe operation of foot controls, nor adoption of a work related standing position or subsequent walking by the wearer. As a result they present several shortcomings with regard to potential wider usage and practical mobility associated with a non sedentary activity:

a) Adoption of a standing position by the wearer, from a previously seated position, results in an immediate and unacceptable forward displacement of the blanket cover.

b) Even when such a blanket is properly positioned and secured around the wearer's middle, assumption of a standing position by the wearer results in the bunching of excess material to the front. This in turn constitutes a potentially hazardous situation, to the wearer in the event of further movement, until such time as the cover is set aside.

(c) Similarly, non form-fitting blanket covers worn in a seated position do not allow for the safe operation of vehicle and other machinery foot controls. Furthermore, the existence of interfering material at or about the foot level constitutes an unwarranted risk to operational safety.

(d) Insulating covers specifically designed for a wheelchair occupant's usage are created to provide thermal protection for the occupant when in a seated position as opposed to providing similar warmth when standing and/or walking.

(e) Other blankets, commonly referred to as throws, are designed to possibly drape across any portion of the wearer's mid body, lap and leg area. As such they are not fashioned to maintain lap or leg cover once the wearer becomes upright to engage in a more mobile pursuit.

In conclusion, each of the typical designs mentioned above constitutes a danger to the wearer when used in a non-seated or otherwise, mobile situation. This is primarily due to their unsecured positioning about the body, together with their loose-fitting and generous material proportions, rendering them unsuited to either machinery or vehicle foot operations. Furthermore, standing and walking is impractical. Any intervening action engaged in by the wearer to rectify or adjust such an in situ blanket, whilst otherwise engaged in a primary task, to move it closer about the body or indeed away from the feet is impractical and likely to incur a risk prone outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the problems cited above, and is a wearable insulating blanket assembly that provides thermal protection for the wearer's lower abdomen and legs while still permitting free movement of the feet and unencumbered transition between seated and standing positions.

In a broad aspect, the blanket assembly comprises a thermally insulative blanket member having upper and lower ends and first and second edges, means for securing the blanket member about a wearer's waist so that a panel portion of the blanket member substantially covers the lower abdomen and legs of the wearer and the first and second edges of the blanket member converge at the wearer's back, and a vertical vent extending from the lower edge of the blanket member upwardly into the panel portion thereof at an approximate midpoint between the first and second edges of the blanket member, so as to be positioned substantially between the wearer's legs when worn, that permits freedom of movement of the wearer's legs and feet in both sitting and standing positions.

The blanket member may be a bi-layer blanket member comprising a wear-resistant outer shell and a thermally insultative inner lining. The wear-resistant outer layer may comprise a layer of wind and rain resistant fabric material. The wear-resistant outer layer may comprise a nylon fabric material, and the thermally insulative inner layer may comprise a synthetic fleece material. The layers of material may be hemmed and/or banded along the edges.

The panel portion of the blanket member may comprise a substantially rectangular panel of material, with an upper edge forming the upper end of the blanket member and a lower edge forming the lower end of the blanket member, and first and second side edges forming the first and second edges of the blanket member. The front vent of the blanket member may be formed as a slot or cut extending upwardly from the lower edge of the panel member at a substantially central location between the side edges of the panel member.

The blanket assembly may further comprise means for adjusting a length of the front vent opening. The means for adjusting the length of the front vent opening may comprise a zipper that is operable to selectively increase or decrease the length of the vent opening from an upper end thereof.

The means for securing the upper end of the blanket member about the waist of a wearer may comprise a waist strap and a detachable buckle member. The waist strap may be adjustable for length. The detachable buckle member may comprise a quick-release buckle; the quick-release buckle may be located intermediate the first and second edges of the blanket member so as to be positioned at a back of a wearer, so that the blanket member will freely fall away from the wearer in response to release of the buckle.

The assembly may further comprise first and second leg straps that detachably to connect first and second edges of the front vent opening to the first and second edges of the blanket member proximate the lower end of the blanket member, so as to secure the lower end of the blanket member to the wearer's legs. The leg straps may each comprise means for quick-release attachment of at least one end of the strap to the blanket member; the quick-release means may comprise at least one press-type stud fastener.

The blanket assembly may further comprise at least one pocket member. The at least one pocket member may comprise a pocket member that is mounted to a front side of the blanket member so as to be positioned proximate a knee of the wearer. The at least one pocket member may comprise an opening that is angled so as to be easily accessible by the wearer when the knee is raised in the seated position.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from a reading of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wearable blanket assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing the arrangement of the blanket assembly as it is worn by a user;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the wearable blanket assembly of FIG. 1, showing the quick-release buckle of the waist strap and other aspects of the assembly in greater detail.

INDEX OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   100—Wearable blanket assembly -   110—Facing material -   112—Backing material -   114—Edge binding tape -   116—Open vent, front face -   118—Single pull zipper extension vent -   120—Female press stud fastener -   122—Male press stud fastener -   124—Adjustable waist strap -   126—Waist strap buckle female -   128—Waist strap length adjuster -   140—Waist strap buckle male -   142—Waist strap retaining loop -   144—Pocket, front face -   146—Leg retaining strap -   146—Leg strap, in-use

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

a. Construction

FIGS. 1-2 show a lap blanket 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 represents the front view and FIG. 2 the alternative rear view of a fully finished and correctly worn blanket.

The blanket is comprised of a suitably adjoined textile material or materials, that when correctly assembled provides a durable, light-weight and thermally insulating cover. The proportions of the finished covering should be of sufficient dimension to provide a close fitting lap, thigh and lower leg insulation barrier for the wearer. When worn, the blanket sides do not abut at the rear when secured via an integrated waist strap (124). When either a seated or standing position is assumed by the wearer the blanket's length should not extend to come in contact with the feet.

The blanket 100 is preferably formed of outer and inner layers of materials, the first being weather- and wear-resistant and the second being insulative, joined together in the manner of shell and lining. The outer layer is suitably constructed of water-repellant nylon, while the under layer is suitably constructed of synthetic fleece. The appropriate sizing, joining, sewing, gluing or thermally bonding of a durable inner insulating material (112) with a hardwearing water-repellant outer material, (110), together with its position retaining waist strap and frontal vent provide important benefits, as will be described in greater detail below. However, a single, all-encompassing material combining the desired properties may be used as an alternative to the layered construction. The back-to-back merger of these different surface materials, (110) and (116), is then hemmed, suitably with an edge binding tape (114), to ensure the blankets extremities are securely finished.

The lower edge, mid-point, of the merged materials is then cut and similarly hemmed, thus providing a permanently open bottom edge vent (116). This is enhanced by an adjustable zipper (118) that is installed at the upper end of the vent to provide an adjustable extension to the fixed vent (116).

The upper, outwardly facing surface of the blanket is provided with waist-level loops (142), which retain in position an adjustable belt or waist strap (124) that is threaded therethrough. The waist strap (124) is suitably made from an appropriate-width webbing material, terminating at each end with a quick release squeeze fastening mechanism having male and female component parts (126), (140). The waist strap's (124) length is adjustable by means of a single bar slide adjuster (128).

A pocket for small items, preferably angled to the right-hand side, outer layer edge, provides the wearer with particularly easy access when in seated. Three easy-opening, quick-release female press stud fasteners (120) penetrate through the facing blanket material, to secure to the backing material. These three stud fasteners are strategically located in fixed positions, two adjacent the blanket's outer edge, one on the blanket lower edge near the vent. This pattern applies to both the right and left sections of the blanket, at a level approximating to a bisecting centre line of the open vent.

Two easy opening male press stud fasteners (122) are attached, one to each end, of the two detachable leg strap retainers (146) and allow for a closer fitting of the blanket to the lower leg. The connecting male (120) and female (122) stud fasteners then secure the stretchable straps in place against each leg once fastened in a horizontal position. When the wearer elects not to exercise this option, the leg straps can either be removed, or securely stowed in a vertical position by means of additional fasteners provided for that purpose; furthermore, the leg straps themselves may be absent in some embodiments.

b. Operation

The lap blanket is worn in a way somewhat resembling that of waist-secured ankle-length aprons, favored by restaurant waiters in France, for instance. When worn in this manner, the leg blanket of the present invention provides an effective thermal barrier over and around both the upper (thigh) and lower leg areas. The blanket's covering of the lower body area in the manner described consequently allows a layer of warming air to form between the blanket's inner surface and the wearer' lower body clothing.

The inclusion of an adjustable, front, low-level vent allows for the uninhibited movement of the feet by the wearer. As a result the wearer is able to sit or stand, as well as operate foot controls from either position. In addition the wearer can engage in wider range of movements, including that of walking, all without a misalignment, loss of the body insulating qualities of the blanket cover, or risk of impediment to the feet areas. Should it be necessary to swiftly remove the lap blanket, this is quickly achieved by first bending down and pulling the outer end of each leg retaining strap in turn, followed by pressing down on the rear-positioned quick-release fastener of the waist strap. This permits the blanket to pull/fall away without encumbering the wearer.

The lap blanket of the present invention has application across a number of different fields. These include, yet are not limited to, the operation of machinery and vehicles from a seated position, whilst still allowing the wearer's prompt transfer to an alternative standing or ambulatory mode of operation, which is a particular benefit for delivery drivers, bus drivers and other vehicle operators who must frequently change between seated and standing/walking positions. Other examples include use by sports spectators or persons engaged in other activities that involve exposure to open air or other cold venues, such as hobby fishermen, bird waters, play area supervisors, etc. Appropriate logos may be marked on the blanket for sales via arena franchise outlets and sports retail outfitters, in support of the competing teams and their associated events, e.g., at football stadiums, ice rinks and motor sport venues.

Use of the blanket applies equally well to office type activities, wherein prolonged in activity in a seated or standing position often gives rise to reduced circulation and lower body heat.

c. Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the lap blanket of the present invention will be evident:

(a) Despite the economical dimensions of the lap covering, its secure waist attachment and contoured body shape design ensure maximum heat retention of the lower body and extremities.

(b) The adequate floor level clearance provided by the worn blanket prevents it becoming entangled with the feet. Similarly, the nature of the open back area avoids any restriction to the movement of the legs.

(c) The optional leg retaining straps permit the blanket to remain close to the leg in windy conditions.

(d) The easily accessed pocket provides storage for small task items, as opposed to reliance on restricted-access pockets in the wearers other outer garments.

(e) In the event of an emergency the blanket can be quickly removed with simple motions of one or both hands.

(f) The simple lines and absence of bulky excess lends itself to use in office environments, in keeping with reasonable dress standards.

(g) The blanket can be worn, without any obstruction to movement, while seated or whilst standing/walking or in an otherwise mobile position. Similarly, operation of machinery and vehicle foot controls fully accommodated.

(h) When not in use, the blanket can be rolled up and secured in a compact shape, suited to stowage in a restricted space, e.g., a glove compartment or a tote bag.

(i) The configuration of the blanket facilitates use of customized colors and/or affixing logos or loyalty symbols, e.g., team colors and/or emblems.

It is to be recognized that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described above without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention. 

1. A wearable insulating blanket assembly that provides thermal insulation for a wearer's lower abdomen and legs while permitting free movement of said wearer's feet and unencumbered transition between seating and standing positions, said blanket assembly comprising: a thermally insulative blanket member having upper and lower ends and first and second edges; means for securing said blanket member about a wearer's waist so that a panel portion of said blanket member substantially covers said lower abdomen and legs of said wearer, and said first and second edges of said blanket member converge at said wearer's back; and a vertical vent that extends from said lower edge of said blanket member upwardly into said panel portion at an approximate midpoint between said first and second edges of said blanket member so as to be positioned substantially between said wearer's legs when worn, so that said vent allows substantially free movement of said wearer's legs and feet in both sitting and standing positions.
 2. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 1, wherein said blanket member comprises: a wear-resistant outer shell layer; and a thermally insulative inner lining layer.
 3. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 2, wherein said wear-resistance outer shell layer comprises: a layer of wind and rain resistant fabric material.
 4. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 3, wherein said wear-resistant outer layer of wind and rain resistant fabric material comprises: a layer of nylon fabric material.
 5. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 3, wherein said thermally insulating inner lining layer comprises: a layer of synthetic fleece material.
 6. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 2, wherein said wear-resistant outer shell layer and thermally insulative inner lining layer are joined along said edges of said blanket member.
 7. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 2, wherein said panel portion of said blanket member comprises: a substantially rectangular panel having an upper edge that forms said upper end of said blanket member and a lower edge that forms said lower end of said blanket member, and first and second side edges that form said first and second edges of said blanket member.
 8. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 7, wherein said vertical vent of said blanket member comprises: a slot that extends upwardly from said lower edge of said panel member at a substantially central location between said first and second side edges of said panel member.
 9. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 8, further comprising: means for adjusting a length of said vertical vent opening.
 10. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 9, wherein said means for adjusting a length of said vertical vent opening comprises: a zipper mounted in said slot extending upwardly from said lower edge of said panel member, said zipper being operable to selectively increase or decrease an open length of said slot extending downwardly from an upper end thereof.
 11. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for securing said upper end of said blanket member about said waist of a wearer comprises: a waist strap; and a detachable buckle member for releasably securing said waist strap about said waist of said wearer.
 12. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 11, wherein said detachable buckle member comprises: a quick-release buckle.
 13. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 12, wherein said quick-release buckle comprises: a quick-release buckle attached to ends of said waist strap located intermediate said first and second edges of said blanket member so as to be positioned at a back of said wearer, so that said blanket member will freely fall away from said wearer in response to release of said buckle.
 14. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 13, further comprising: first and second leg straps that detachably connect first and second edges of said vertical vent opening to said first and second edges of said blanket member proximate said lower end thereof, so as to secure said lower end of said blanket member to said wearer's legs.
 15. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 14, wherein said leg straps each comprise: means for quick-release attachment of at least one end of said strap to said blanket member.
 16. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 15, wherein said means for quick-release attachment of at least one end of each strap to said blanket member comprises: at least one press-type stud fastener.
 17. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 1, further comprising: at least one pocket member mounted to said blanket member.
 18. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 17, wherein said at least one pocket member comprises: a pocket member that is mounted to a front side of said blanket member in a selected location so as to be positioned proximate a knee of said wearer.
 19. The wearable insulating blanket assembly of claim 18, wherein said at least one pocket member that is mounted to a front side of said blanket member comprises: an opening that is oriented so as to be angled between vertical and horizontal when a knee of said wearer is raised, so as to be easily accessible by said wearer when in a seated position. 